Honor Your Spark

As the Honor Your Spark theme music fades out, a wave of bittersweet emotions washes over me. It's time for a change. In this episode, I'm sharing with you about a big decision I've made related to my coaching business— which includes the podcast is going on indefinite pause. This final (for now, at least) episode is all about finding the wins—especially the lessons— IN the losses, and how to know when it’s time to let something we love go... even if we've put a heck of a lot of blood, sweat, tears, and DOLLARS into it.

You’ve probably heard someone in your life say something like this (or perhaps had the thought yourself): “How is it that EVERYONE all the sudden has ADHD and autism?!” Weellll that’s not exactly any more true than saying there’s “all the sudden” a bunch of trans people around, when really they’ve always been there— just more closeted since their reality was not as affirmed as it now is. (Of course we still have a very long way to go with even making the world SAFE for trans folks, let alone affirming.)

n a world that often feels disorienting with its speed and complexity, finding our true selves can sometimes seem like a search for a needle in a vast, shifting haystack. This quest for personal identity and authenticity was the focus of a deep and insightful conversation on my podcast Honor Your Spark, where I was recently joined by existential psychotherapist, consultant, writer, and columnist Dr. Sara Kuburic, also known as the Millennial Therapist. In this conversation, we explored the intricacies of human emotions and behaviors and how existentialism (and specifically, existential therapy) can offer a unique perspective on navigating life's challenges with authenticity, courage, and responsibility.

The corporate world is not exactly known for being fair to women. Even with significant progress made in recent decades, the wage gap still has women getting paid 16% less than their male counterparts (substantially worse for women of color), and women are often passed up for promotions or higher-level positions. Remember this exchange from the Barbie movie during Ken’s visit to corporate America? Ken: You guys aren't doing patriarchy very well. Corporate Bro: We're actually doing patriarchy very well [lowers voice] Corporate Bro: ... we're just better at hiding it. So when I discovered Sam DeMase through her book A Power Mood, I knew I had to invite her on the podcast. We had a fantastic conversation about the importance of self-advocacy for women in the workplace, and how they make make more strategic moves for career advancement.

Aesthetic styles like Minimalism, Grunge, Rustic, and Boho have been in the mainstream awareness for a quite a while now— and in recent years, social media has made it possible for folks to connect around more niche aesthetics like Cottagecore, Y2K, Academia, Old Money (for real), and— one of my personal favorites— Goblincore. And similarly to Minimalism, Goblincore is not just an aesthetic, but also a lifestyle. In this episode of "Honor Your Spark," I had the privilege of diving deep into the enchanting and rebellious world of Goblincore with the brilliant McKayla Coyle, an author who not only has penned a fantastic, detailed guide to Goblincore (Goblin Mode) but also lives and breathes this inclusive and anti-capitalist lifestyle.

Navigating pivots is a necessary skill set in all areas of life— especially in our careers, whether you’re an employee or an entrepreneur. In the case of Jason Shen, who pivoted from Silicon Valley entrepreneur to Facebook employee to executive coach, resilience becomes the name of the game. In fact, in his first startup, Jason says of his team: "We didn't run out of money— we ran out of resilience." As he continued to see how critical resilience was for navigating both personal and professional pivots, he became passionate about understanding it deeply. The more he thought, learned, and researched about resilience, Jason started to understand it not just as one skill or trait, but as a set of skills that can be cultivated.

The idea of being an “activist” can feel incredibly daunting. Since not a single person can ~save the world~ even if activism is their full-time job, it doesn’t take much to start feeling that creeping sense of “Why bother?”. Omkari Williams is here to tell you why we should still bother— and how we can think of activism in a way that actually fits into our lives for the long haul.

Our modern world is paradoxical in many ways, one being this: people will spend hundreds or thousands of dollars on books, courses, coaching, and therapy to become more self-aware— and yet, our technology and pace of living can cause us to be anything BUT aware. Instead, we often find ourselves on autopilot, seldom relying on critical thinking or reflecting deeply on our internal experience

Anyone who hasn’t been through some kind of substantial hardship yet has no business being a therapist or coach. There— I said it. No, your therapist/coach doesn’t need to have gone through the same experiences you have; but if they haven’t even set foot inside the school of hard knocks, how the hell are they supposed to have the perspective to help their clients navigate suffering? In this episode of the podcast, Angela Gentile, public school teacher turned professional hypewoman and speaker, shares how her own experiences have shaped both who she is as a person and as a coach and catalyst with her clients.

It ain't my business to tell anyone how to eat or live their lives, but hey— it's my podcast, so I sure as hell am gonna tell you what I think. 😜 In all seriousness, I haven’t talked much at all about veganism or animal advocacy in the Bad Bitch Therapist world yet. In the past, I actually had a whole separate “Val the Vegan Therapist” website and vegan podcast, and while I’m still just as passionate about veganism today, I just realized that was not a thing that I wanted to do as a full-out additional brand / business.

As I was thinking about how I wanted to ring in the New Year on the podcast, a lightbulb went off— “wait a second, didn’t I find that list of New Years Resolutions I made in high school? That shit would be HILARIOUS.” So yes, in an effort to both entertain and inspire you, dear listeners, I am subjecting you in this solo episode to the wisdom of my 16-year-old self. 😂😂I had a blast reading through each of the 11 items on the list and sharing with y’all what I think of them now, 20+ years later.

People often hire a professional organizer to help declutter their homes, believing the problem lies exclusively with managing physical STUFF. Liz Jenkins, owner of the thriving organizing business A Fresh Space, knows that the relationship between physical and mental clutter is way more than drawer-deep. 🤓

The word “budget” often brings up the same connotations as the word “diet”: restriction, deprivation, punishment— basically, a total JOYKILL. On the flipside of the coin, I realized recently that I actually also had a negative connotation with the word “profit” (greedy, using people, capitalist pig, etc.)—talk about damned if you do, damned if you don’t. But it doesn’t have to be that way, right?

It’s always fascinating talking to leaders, service providers, and entrepreneurs in completely different industries and noticing how much overlap there is in the challenges and opportunities we encounter. In this episode of the pod, I’m talking with esthetician Caitlin Hart— and as a kindred spirit who is highly ambitious, she’s had to learn (like many of us, the hard way) how to adjust and recalibrate in her career to align with different seasons of her life. Caitlin’s most recent labor of love is a pair of online courses to help estheticians learn the business side of the industry that school does not prepare them for, so they can benefit from her 14 years of experience in the field.

Ok, raise your hand if you’re a fellow recovering Gifted Child 🙋‍♀️ Yuuup, that’s what I thought. 😜 TLDR; being “gifted” (aka let’s just proudly own it, being a fucking NERD) IS a superpower, with so many amazing ac-tu-al GIFTS. AND…  like any superpower, it has its kryptonite. If high ambition goes unchecked, things can get ugly. (🎵hello, burnout, my old friend…🎵)

This episode is truly a meeting of the Bad Bitch minds. 😜When I came across Amanda Yoa after she liked one of my posts, I couldn’t help but notice the similarities between our message, vibe, and even our freaking brand colors/symbols. TBH, my first thought was— “Oh wow, our shit is so similar, and she’s been here longer than me… I wonder if she’ll think I copied her 😬…but I have never even seen her account until today!”

“It’s a rot day, bestie. Just don’t rot for like 5 days straight… it’s giving Depression Era.” If you read that and you’re like… ummm ??? — you’re not alone. 😆 THIS elder millennial (hi, it me) has officially reached a point where I have to ask for help from my resident Gen Z translator, Emerson Ryder. Emerson is on my team of amazing therapists at The Gaia Center, and she is truly a magical unicorn if I’ve ever met one. She has an uncanny ability to simultaneously throw out these foreign-to-me terms while also conveying wisdom, depth, and empathy. At every single team meeting, Emerson has us in stitches… AND she is incredibly thoughtful in how she handles even the most tender and difficult issues that come up in her client sessions.

Every single day of our lives, the world tells us who and how we should be. Damn— that’s pretty heavy, isn’t it? We get told how we should act, talk, dress, look, move, what we should and shouldn’t eat— hell, we’re even told how we’re sleeping and breathing “wrong” 😵‍💫… not to mention that much of this advice or “research” (much of which is empirically flawed and biased) contradicts the advice we read about the same topic the week before. Quite frankly,  it’s EXHAUSTING.

Friends, you’re gonna want to grab your journal and pen for this one, because the latest episode of Bad Bitch Therapist Podcast is so full of gem’s it’s a g*ddamn treasure chest. Allow me the pleasure of introducing you to this week’s guest, Patrick Murphy, who has become a dear friend in the past several years AND one I have yet to meet in 3D (but it’s finally happening next month!). Patrick has SO many gifts in his own right— and then you stick us two Enneagram 7’s in a Zoom room together and it’s like a nonstop pinball game of truth pings and lightbulb moments. 💡⚡️

In the latest episode of Bad Bitch Therapist Podcast, we're diving into the realm of relationships that defy mononormativity and the Relationship Escalator. Not sure WTF any of that means? No worries— just buckle up and put on those headphones! Val here, and I’m not gonna lie— I was nervous AF jumping into this interview, because these 3 guests have hosted their own podcast, Multiamory, for almost a decade… and by this point have something like eleventy-zillion downloads. No pressure! 🫣😜

CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains quite a bit of conversation around suicide. Please see the resources at the bottom of the show notes if you or someone you know is struggling and needs support. I love this week’s episode because it’s a true heart-to-heart with my dear friend and absolute badass cousin Becca, who's an excellent role model for anyone who’s been dealt some rough fucking cards and has committed to a life of authenticity and joy.

Have you ever read something in a book and felt your jaw drop to the floor because you knew that idea was going to *actually* change your life?

Open an app, send a few messages, have the same conversations over and over, go on a date, and then…ghosted AGAIN. 😑 Dating these days feels like an endless cycle of anxiety, stress, and honestly, like a roller coaster we’re not sure we want to be on… you know those old wooden ones that make you wonder if you’re concussed after? Just like that. 🎢🫨

⚡️ LIT AF is only open to new members through July 7— after that, you'll have to wait til September! DM or email me with questions. 🫶LINK FOR INFO + TO JOIN: https://valeriekmartin.thrivecart.com/lit-af CONNECT WITH VAL:Instagram: www.instagram.com/bad.bitch.therapistTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@badbitchtherapistWebsite: https://badbitchtherapist.co/Email: [email protected] a Free Clarity Call: https://badbitchtherapist.co/contact DISCLAIMER: None of my online content or coaching services are to be considered as therapy or a substitute for individualized mental health treatment or healthcare. These offerings are created for entertainment and educational purposes. For full disclaimer, visit https://badbitchtherapist.co/disclaimer .

Show me someone who doesn’t have money shit, and I’ll… well, I’ll tell you you’re probably wrong, because they don’t exist. 😜Or— at least they only exist if they’ve seriously done their WORK around money. And sure— systemic and economic issues like privilege, intergenerational poverty, inflation, lack of affordable housing, recessions— of course these variables play a BIG role in our lives with money. (Serotonin? In this economy? 😵‍💫)

When you envision a fraternity house full of hormonal college dudes having a conversation about sexual consent, who do you imagine they’d be more likely to listen attentively to: a sterile, scripted lecture delivered by a poor graduate intern from Campus Health, or… one of the most successful adult film stars in the business? Uh, yeah, that’s what I thought. And that’s exactly what Tasha Reign did, in fraternities and in lecture halls at numerous university campuses. She’s also an activist within her industry fighting for the rights, safety, and dignity for sex workers, having published articles and served as chairperson of the Adult Performers Advocacy Committee. And did I mention she has not only a Bachelors in Women’s Studies from UCLA, but also a Masters in Journalism from USC’s renowned Annenberg School?

Our managed care system can eat a d*ck. 🙊 Oops, did I say that? Because I DEFINITELY MEANT IT. 😡 For any of you who are fortunate enough to not know what “managed care system” is— it’s the jargon-y term for insurance-based healthcare, which— in the US, is MOST healthcare.

Join Val for a solo episode including a powerful EFT tapping practice to shift into a more magnetic mindset, AND a sneak peek at her brand new membership, LIT AF, for the woman who is ready to honor her highest self by embodying her more EVERY DAMN DAY.

It’s refreshing to live at a time where acknowledging and discussing privilege has become practically mainstream. Yet, there are some types of privilege that usually get left out of the conversation. One of them? PRETTY privilege. While it’s uncomfortable to acknowledge that the world treats attractive people differently, it’s also undoubtedly true. And just like any type of privilege, typically the people least likely to recognize it are the ones who possess it. That’s just one of the reasons why I love my friend Kelly Haze, today’s guest: she’s not one to deny reality.  She knows she’s beautiful, and she knows she’s been treated differently because of it— in both good and bad ways.

This episode is overflowing with  gold freaking nuggets, y’all. Here’s just one taste that our guest Erica Murphy casually dropped in the convo: The pain of truth is never going to be as bad as the pain of ambiguity or of self limitation. 🤯❤️‍🔥RIGHT?! Whether you’re a healer or on your own healing journey (or both), we ALL share in the purpose to leave this planet and everyone we encounter a little better than we found them. There are SO many ways of doing that, and frankly none of them should come at the cost of your own wellbeing. Erica and I dig into the unfortunate reality that much of the helping profession IS set up to burn out the healers— and the path she has walked from burnout to freedom.

Perfectionism is a sneaky little bitch. What makes me say that? Well, most of us wouldn’t actually SAY that we expect perfection of ourselves. That’s ridiculous, right?! Clearly we’re much smarter than that. 😜And yet… most of us nod along knowingly when we hear things like, “I brushed off the 20 positive comments and obsessed about the ONE negative comment.” If that’s not perfectionism, I don't know what is!

Too fat. Too skinny. Too much cellulite. Not enough muscle. Big butt? Ok, but better have a tiny waist. We are told every single day a MILLION ways that our bodies should NOT be. What the actual fuck, right? Between mainstream media, social media, and all the SuPeR heLpFuL comments our families and friends make— it’s no wonder we grow up with so much shame, anxiety and guilt around how we look and feel in our bodies. (And let’s mince no words about it, fat phobia is RACIST, too.) Just when it seemed like things were maaaybe heading in a positive direction the past few years— apparently “heroine chic” is IN again?. 😡😡CAN WE NOT.

Have you ever been curious about the difference between life coaching and therapy? Or wanted a peek behind the curtain with either one? If you just read an Instagram or blog post on “coaching vs therapy,” there’s a very strong chance it’s ridiculously oversimplified. “Therapists work on ‘problems’ rooted in the past, coaches work on goals for the future!” COOL. Except it ain’t that simple. Thankfully, Katie Read is joining me for this episode to help us unpack some of the complexity.  As you’ll hear, Katie is primarily speaking to therapists (since that’s the niche of peeps she serves), but a lot of what we talk about that translates WAY beyond that— and/or is just interesting for understanding the working lives of therapists.

How many times have you said to yourself or someone else, “OMG, I’m SO overwhelmed”?  Like… 10 times in the last week alone?! I get it, and I’ve absolutely been there— but it’s also something I’ve worked really hard to shift out of and into a more helpful, empowered mindset. And it’s a challenge my clients come to me with all the time: How can I stop feeling so overwhelmed??

It’s pretty cool that we’re living at a time when our culture is least *starting* to recognize that people (especially women) don’t cease to have value and worth as soon as they hit middle age. Of course, we still have a HELLUVA long way to go toward eliminating  ageism— but thanks to people like Jen Vertanen, we’re making progress.

As much as there arguably shouldn’t be such a thing as a #trendingdiagnosis 😂, we all know the internet has been BLOWING the F up with all things ADHD. And hey— if it helps people get the tools and support they need, I’m for it.

What comes up for you when you see these words? Bitch. Whore. Slut. Pussy. Are these words inherently bad, or do they only feel “bad” because they’ve been weaponized against women and used to control us?

In this episode, we’re diving into the 3 Qualities You Need to Cultivate to Saunter into Your Bad Bitch Era. I’ll also give you a clear action step for each that you can realistically do in the next 24 hours—or okay, take a few days… but the key is your actions should be small and simple enough that they could be done in the next 24 hours!

Welcome to the Bad Bitch Therapist Podcast! What does it actually mean to be a "Bad Bitch"? I’m Valerie Martin, licensed therapist, coach and your host— and if you’re asking me, it means being fully alive, unstoppable, kicking ass at the things that light you up, and being permanently unavailable for the things that make you feel like shit. In this podcast, we’ll explore mental & emotional wellness, strategies for getting shit done (especially for all my fellow ADHD and Squirrel Brained business owners out there), and have some fun while we’re at it—because life is too damn short to spend it listening to some boring ass podcast, #amiright?! Think of this show as your guiding compass for stepping into your Bad Bitch Era— because it is YOUR TIME to thrive.No more playing small, no more hiding who we are, and DEFINITELY no more sacrificing our joy, happiness and fulfillment for someone else. Are you ready to join the #badbitchMovement? Hit subscribe and join me on this powerful journey of tough-love compassion plus massive action. Connect with me: Instagram: www.instagram.com/bad.bitch.therapist TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@badbitchtherapist Website: https://badbitchtherapist.co/ Email: [email protected] Book a call: https://badbitchtherapist.co/contact

Brief note from Val before we dive into today's episode:In bittersweet news, this is the FINAL episode episode of Bodyful— but I'm not going anywhere, and neither are these episodes! Stay subscribed to this feed, and you'll get episodes of Bad Bitch Therapist Podcast, which will be launching January 24, 2023.And for now— a wonderful final Bodyful conversation with our guest, personal stylist Dacy Gillespie... As a surprise to literally no one, the style & fashion industry is not typically kind to diverse bodies. 🙄And today’s guest Dacy Gillespie is one of the few personal stylists working hard to change that.With an approach to styling that prioritizes inclusivity of all sizes, shapes, and abilities and aligns with the principles of Health at Every Size (HAES), Dacy is a tremendous gift to her industry and to each person fortunate enough to work with her as a client.I am so glad that this is the final episode of Bodyful, because it’s a topic that I’d not covered on any previous episode, and one that is SO important and lacking in mainstream discourse. As Dacy emphasizes in the conversation, finding a style that’s right for YOUR body doesn’t mean identifying what OTHER People find “flattering” for your body type— it’s all about exploring and identifying what FEELS good and makes you feel good about yourself when you wear it. About Dacy Gillespie (she/her)Dacy Gillespie intuitively guides her clients to discover what they feel best in. She helps them let go of the external messages they’ve been given about what they should wear and get to the heart of what’s making them uncomfortable about their clothes. Through their work building a functional wardrobe, Dacy’s clients make a mindset shift from thinking they need to wear what’s flattering to unapologetically taking up space in the world.After a lifetime of jobs in high-stress careers that didn’t suit her highly-sensitive, introverted personality, Dacy started mindful closet in 2013 in an attempt to create a more emotionally sustainable lifestyle. She has two boys, ages 4 and 8, and a husband she adores who is well aware of her mental load.To learn more or contact Dacy, visit her website at www.mindfulcloset.com or connect with her on Instagram @mindfulcloset.Stuff Mentioned + Additional Resources:Health at Every Size (HAES) principlesGet Dacy’s worksheet on capsule wardrobesAnd she got to help REAL SIMPLE explain capsule wardrobes to their readers!----------------------------------------------------BAD BITCH THERAPIST PODCAST is coming soon! Launching January 24, 2023— if you're subscribed to this feed already, you will be subscribed since the new show will remain in this feed!✨ In Tennessee and looking for therapy? Check out The Gaia Center.✨ Get the monthly Gaia Center newsletter with exclusive content & tips from our therapists✨ Learn about coaching, speaking, and other stuff Val is up to

The Creatures of Change podcast ended up being way more meta for me than I’d planned…After recording a season of 6 episodes with incredible guests, I landed on clarity about MY next big change professionally— which measns hanging up my hat with this iteration of podcasting to make room for the next thing.But these episodes will live on as a mini-season within my main podcast feed, because the conversations were incredibly inspirational and instructive examples of embracing change— perhaps none more than the guest for the final episode, Dr. Caitlin Faas.Caitlin has basically rebuilt her life in the last 3 years. Some of those changes were chosen and planned, but other life-altering ones unfolded completely unexpectedly, bringing down the house-of-cards identity that we so often build around our roles. I am incredibly inspired by Caitlin’s resiliency, adaptability, vulnerability, and humility through her process of change, and honored to call her a friend.About CaitlinCaitlin Faas, Ph.D. is a certified master life coach instructor who helps experts get out of the hamster wheel for good. Common issues include: overeating, overdrinking, and overworking. She was a tenured psychology professor and department chair before leaving to be a full-time entrepreneur. Dr. Faas has worked with thousands of professionals every year who were once addicted to running in the hamster wheel of endless expectations. She is also the author of Unstuck: Three-step system to help high achievers move from stress to flow. Dr. Faas delivers easy-to-follow advice about “growing up, showing up, and cleaning up” your life and explains the data-backed scientific roots of your stress from emotional, social, economic, academic, and mindfulness perspectives,Additional Links + ResourcesThe Life Coach SchoolThe Summers School of Yin Yoga and the River Bird Sangha with Josh & Terry SummersInstinctive Meditation with Lorin Roche and Camille Maurine✨ In Tennessee and looking for therapy? Check out The Gaia Center.✨ Get the monthly Gaia Center newsletter with exclusive content & tips from our therapists✨ Learn about coaching, speaking, and other stuff Val is up to

*Announcement*Creatures of Change podcast is no longer releasing new episodes. The episode archives will remain available in the same podcast feed as Valerie’s new show, Bad Bitch Therapist Podcast. Happy listening! You never know when an old acquaintance will chance to cross your path again.In this case, Melanie Reese— a therapist I worked down the hall from for over a year— saw the news about this podcast and reached out about being a guest. In this ~40 minute conversation, we connected on a deeper level than we ever did during that whole year.It was a joy to hear Melanie share some of the growth and healing she’s experienced personally throughout the pandemic, and how that continued evolution has allowed her to support her clients in new and deeper ways.In this episode, Melanie and I talk about the the huge business leap she took just prior to the pandemic (spoiler alert, it involved OFFICE SPACE 💀😂) and what she learned weathering that challenge, the process of shedding her Christian identity (and the difficulties that arose in some family relationships), and how her own experience of living with chronic pain and illnesses has continued to evolve along with her spirituality, impacting the way she approaches her client work as well. About MelanieMelanie Reese is a board-certified, psychotherapist and owner of Trauma Therapy of Nashville, LLC, a private practice specializing in holistic trauma healing. She is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Certified Clinical Trauma Professional and Certified Brainspotting Practitioner. Melanie and her team of therapists specialize in the treatment of trauma, women’s issues, relationships and chronic pain & illness. Melanie’s education and professional background in both the mind and body gives her a unique and effective approach to therapy with clients. She works heavily from a neuroexperiential perspective, using modalities such as Brainspotting, EMDR, mindfulness, somatics and body movement. As an AAMFT Approved Supervisor, Melanie also helps guide clinicians in their development as skilled therapists and individuals. Additional Links + Resources@traumatherapynashville on InstagramThe Surrender Experiment by Michael SingerPerrennial Wisdom for the Spiritually Independent - edited by Rabbi Rami ShapiroThe Daily Stoic podcast with Ryan Holiday: Episode with guest Daniel Lubetzky (founder of KIND Snacks)

*Announcement*Creatures of Change podcast is no longer releasing new episodes. The episode archives will remain available in the same podcast feed as Valerie’s new show, Bad Bitch Therapist Podcast. Happy listening! I found Jenny Blake online way back in 2015— I don’t recall exactly how, but probably after hearing her on someone else’s podcast.I resonated immediately with her message, her love of systems, and unique ideas about personal and professional growth. I followed everything she’s created since— her podcasts, different iterations of her online communities, and her two books, Pivot and Free Time.I am honored to call Jenny not just a mentor, but a friend (a friendtor!) — and I continue to be inspired by her all the time. If you are navigating a career transition, Pivot — the book and the podcast — are a must. And if you’re an entrepreneur, Free Time (the book and the podcast) is a goldmine of strategies for making your business and life run more smoothly so you can reclaim more of your most precious asset: your time.I hope you love this conversation with Jenny Blake— and if you do, make sure to check out the show notes for the link to my 2019 interview with her on my previous podcast, and where you can join her online community!About JennyJenny Blake is an award-winning author, podcaster, and keynote speaker who loves helping people move from friction to flow through smarter systems, powered by Delightfully Tiny Teams. Her third book, Free Time: Lose The Busywork, Love Your Business (Ideapress, March 2022) will free your mind, time, and team for more of your best work. Jenny’s previous book, Pivot: The Only Move That Matters Is Your Next One (Portfolio/Penguin Random House, 2016), won the Axiom award for best business book in the careers category.Celebrating over a decade of running her own business after five years at Google, Jenny now licenses her content to clients like Google and CHANEL. She hosts two podcasts with over one million downloads combined: Free Time for Heart-Based Business owners, and Pivot with Jenny Blake to help others navigate change.After working at a Silicon Valley startup, then at Google for five years in coaching and career development, Jenny moved to New York City in 2011 to launch her own business. She loves yoga and buys too many books. Jenny lives in Manhattan with her husband and angel-in-fur-coat German shepherd. Learn more and take the Free Time quiz at ItsFreeTime.com.Additional Links + ResourcesIn addition to all the links in Jenny’s bio above that you should definitely check out—✨ Listen to her 2019 interview on my previous podcast, “What’s the F***ing Point?”✨ If you listen and know you need more Jenny in your life, join me in her BFF community!✨ One Stone Creative - the podcast production co Jenny uses that I mention in the intro (run by a fellow BFF member!)✨ Never tried Peloton? Use this link to try the app free for 60 days! (yoga, barre, strength, outdoor walking/running tracks— all kinds of no/low-equipement stuff aside in addition to their treadmill & bike classes)

*Announcement*Creatures of Change podcast is no longer releasing new episodes. The episode archives will remain available in the same podcast feed as Valerie’s new show, Bad Bitch Therapist Podcast. Happy listening!Ray Holloman (often at his most hilarious in tandem with his wife Alicia) is one of those people whose posts cause you to actually cackle.He’s witty, kind, silly, freakishly productive, obsessed with dinosaurs— and until 6 years ago, was living in a body that didn’t feel like his own.In this episode of Creatures of Change, Ray shares about how transitioning his gender not only resulted in feeling more at-home in himself than he’s ever felt, but also equipped him to embrace all kinds of other changes, including leaving a company he’d been with for 12 years.We also talk about balancing change with routine, because the comfort zone is NOT an inherently bad place to hang out. Also, for real, read Ray’s bio below… the man is HELLA impressive. I hope you enjoy listening as much as I enjoyed having the conversation!About RayRay Holloman is a Black, transgender man that lives in the south. His unique identity gives him the ability to see multiple sides of marginalized communities. Ray currently works doing Disaster Recovery for a large tech company. Ray has a Bachelor of Business Administration from Belmont University, and Masters degrees from Lipscomb University and Tennessee Tech University. Ray is married, with 4-ish dogs, 20-ish chickens and 9-ish quail.Ray has worked with groups including Tennessee Transgender Political Coalition, Trans Empowerment Project, Nashville Technology Council, and other various nonprofits. He currently chairs the New Leaders Council Pride Caucus Transgender education subcommittee, is on the Vanderbilt University Medical Center LGBTQ+ Advisory Board, and chairs the Tennessee Department of Health HIV Prevention Transgender Task Force. Ray enjoys sharing his story to educate the public about transgender and queer people. In his limited spare time, he enjoys farmstrong, quilting and cooking.For full show notes on this episode, visit https://gaiacenter.co/blog/creaturesofchange-02.

*Announcement*Creatures of Change podcast is no longer releasing new episodes. The episode archives will remain available in the same podcast feed as Valerie’s new show, Bad Bitch Therapist Podcast. Happy listening!Welp, not to make it ~aLL aBoUt Me~ 😝 but for the first episode of Creatures of Change, I thought it would be fun to talk about some of the changes I’ve made or experienced throughout my 36 years so far.Once I finished outlining the 10 changes I wanted to touch on, I realized that in many ways, I sort of accidentally told the story of my life (in 30 minutes— buckle the F up! 😂).That’s pretty cool to think about: my intention was to talk about changes, and it turns out that those changes were all the moments that were either pivotal in getting me to where I am today, and/or are a big part of my daily life now. This insight just reaffirms my excitement about exploring change with a variety of guests on future episodes.This new podcast, Creatures of Change, explores the concept and practice of change from a variety of perspectives: stories of folks who’ve made huge changes in the trajectory of their lives, others who have made small but lasting and impactful changes in their day-to-day lives, and— we’ll also just nerd out about the science of human behavior, and how we can get better at executing the small changes, and embracing the big ones.Oh, and if you’re looking to make a change in your life and want some guidance and support to set yourself up well for it? We’ll also do episodes featuring coaching with podcast host Valerie Martin, who happens to be both a therapist and self-development supergeek.For show notes on this episode, visit https://gaiacenter.co/blog/creaturesofchange-01.

Hi y'all! I am popping in. In the podcast feed over here for a moment to share. Share an exciting update. You may have heard this if you listened to Bodyful episode 24 with Mary Reynolds Thompson that recently aired: the podcast is relaunching in the new year! It will still live in this same feed, but will be revamped as Bad Bitch Therapist Podcast.  More to come on that with a trailer soon, but for now, I just wanted to give you a heads up on what to expect in the feed between now and then (including  why you're seeing so many episodes come into your feed over the next week!) :POver the past few months I did this wonderful little mini season of Creatures of Change podcast on a separate feed, and those will coming into this feed so that they can live here and be found here instead of getting lost in internet purgatory—they are really excellent conversations. There are five episodes so far and one that I am finishing up editing the 6th/final episode, and we'll post one episode each day starting this Sunday December 18th, through December 23rd. Also sometime between now and the New Year, there will be one more episode of  Bodyful airing that's a really excellent conversation with stylist Dacy Gillespie of Mindful Closet.  So stay tuned for those episodes over the next couple of weeks, followed by the exciting relaunch of Bad Bitch Therapist podcast in January. Thank you so much for being here... trailer for the new pod format coming soon!xoVal

Every now and then you come across a writer whose words and ideas just hit you bone-deep.For me, most of them have been people whose words make me feel more intimately connected with the world around me: Mary Oliver, Robin Wall-Kimmerer, Richard Powers, Bill Plotkin— and most recently, Mary Reynolds Thompson.When I started digging into Mary’s work in preparation for this conversation, I felt that rare but familiar deep resonance. In her latest book, A Wild Soul Woman, she explores five landscape-based archetypes she’s written about previously, this time specifically in the context of how they show up in womens’ lives.In this episode, we explore about everything from burnout and addiction recovery to defining what it means to move through the arc of the human experience in your own “shero’s journey.” About Mary Reynolds Thompson (she/her)Mary is an award-winning author, internationally recognized speaker, and a facilitator of poetry therapy. A pioneer in the spiritual ecology movement, her focus is on the transformative power of landscape archetypes and nature metaphors to reveal our true purpose and right relationship with the planet.Author of A Wild Soul Woman and Reclaiming the Wild Soul, a 2015 Nautilus Award-winner, Mary’s writings have also appeared in numerous other publications and anthologies. Through her books, courses, and talks, she reaches creatives, change-makers, and seekers who long to awaken to their most courageous and Earth-connected selves and have the impact they desire.To learn more or contact Mary, visit maryreynoldsthompson.com and follow her on Instagram @wildsoulwriter. Stuff Mentioned + Additional Resources:“The Song of a Wild Soul Woman” - written, creative interpretation by Dancing Wolf, creative interpretation by TreeSistersBodyful Episode #12: Jill Dunkley on Being in Right Relationship with the World Inside & OutsideTreeSistersJungian psychologist and writer Marion WoodmanThe Work that ReconnectsAnimas Valley InstituteWomen Who Run With the Wolves by Dr. Clarissa Pinkola EstesUntamed by Glennon Doyle----------------------------------------------------Did you love this episode? Please consider leaving a rating/review wherever you listen to podcasts!NOTE FROM VAL: In 2023, my podcasting is shifting gears... so stay tuned for an exciting announcement about that soon, and Bodyful episodes will remain on this feed to continue to be shared and enjoyed!✨ In Tennessee and looking for therapy? Check out The Gaia Center.✨ Get the monthly Gaia Center newsletter with exclusive content & tips from our therapists✨ Learn about coaching, speaking, and other stuff Val is up to

As a person who’s never been into sports, the thought of walking into a boxing ring is more than a little intimidating— but that’s exactly what I did yesterday with the support of trauma-informed boxing coach Cleveland Hughes.Not 10 minutes prior, I called it a “boxing rink” 🤡 😂 — so suffice to say, I don’t know much about boxing. But even with just a few minutes of instruction, it was so clear to me how useful these skills could be, not only to develop physical strength, but also sharp mental awareness, bodyfulness, and perseverance.In this conversation, Cleveland and I talk about his journey to boxing, and his decision to gain further education to become one of the world’s first trauma-informed boxing instructors through his signature program, Healing Mitts. We also commiserated about some of the ways the fitness industry can be inherently harmful, especially for trauma survivors, when leaders do NOT have a fundamental awareness of trauma. About Cleveland Hughes (he/his)Cleveland Hughes is a boxing coach and the developer of the Healing Mitts Intentional Boxing Training System. In 2009, a therapist suggested to Cleveland that he try boxing to help him cope with my anxiety and depression. He noticed the life lessons he was learning in therapy also applied to boxing. Through deep inner work, he gained the skills necessary to fight back against his mental health issues and trauma. He knew that he wanted to help people heal through the sport of boxing.With 15 years of experience coaching boxing, and additional education on trauma-informed best practices, Cleveland developed Healing Mitts to help empower people struggling with mental health issues. He is proud to be a trauma-informed boxing coach and a mental health advocate.He currently offers group and private coaching in-person in Miami and Nashville (soon fully relocating to Nashville), as well as coaching online.You can learn more about Healing Mitts at healingmittsboxing.com (a work in progress, more coming there soon!) and book a virtual or in-person session with Cleveland at the website or through DM on Instagram @clevelandh.boxing, where he shares tips and resources on boxing and mental health. Stuff Mentioned + Additional Resources:Cobra Kai (if you watch it, track down the original 3 karate kid movies first — they are a must for backstory!)Bodyful episode 19 with Laura Khoudari on Healing Trauma One Rep at a TimePolyvagal theory----------------------------------------------------Did you love this episode? Please tell a friend, and subscribe to Bodyful for a new episode every 2 weeks!✨ For Previous Bodyful episodes and show notes✨ Sister podcast Creatures of Change✨ In Tennessee and looking for therapy? Check out The Gaia Center.✨ Get the monthly Gaia Center newsletter with exclusive content & tips from our therapists✨ Learn about coaching, speaking, and other stuff Val is up to

In 2018, I went to a hypnotherapy training near Seattle. It was not your traditional therapy training— there were maybe about 30 of us staying at essentially a large cabin in the woods for about 6 days, sharing a room with 3 random strangers.One of my roommates, Jasmin Cage, happened to be from Memphis, just a couple hours down the road from me in Nashville— and we hit it off instantly. Both yoga teachers, both vegan (for the animals and other reasons), both Enneagram 7 squirrel-brains. 😝I’d always regretted not staying in touch with Jasmin after the training… one of those things where, after a few months had passe, I felt like I’d missed the window. Wouldn’t it be “weird” to reach out a year, 2 years later? Would she even remember me? But 4 years after that training, this August, Jasmin popped into my inbox with the gift of reconnecting AND reminding me an important lesson that avoiding doing something based mostly in worrying about what other people might think is just plain SILLY.In this conversation, Jasmin and I shared our candid thoughts on hypnosis/hypnotherapy, the yoga world, and got into a nuanced discussion of drinking culture, sobriety (including her new project Sobrietree), and… well, we had so much to cover that we’re planning to do a part 2, coming soon!About Jasmin (she/her)Jasmin Cage is a Memphis, Tennessee-based fine artist and RYT-200 (soon to be 500) yoga instructor. She is a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist, Heart-Centered Hypnotherapist, and a Certified Y12SR practitioner (Yoga of 12 Step Recovery). Jasmin currently teaches yoga, breathwork, and meditative practices at Lakeside Behavioral Health Systems- a network of inpatient psychiatric facilities in west Tennessee. She recently launched Sobrietree, a project incorporating yoga, art, and spoken word.You can find out more about Jasmin and her work at jasmincageart.com and on Instagram @sobrietree.For full show notes including links to resources mentioned in the episode, visit https://gaiacenter.co/blog/bodyful-22.----------------------------------------------------Did you love this episode? Please tell a friend, and subscribe to Bodyful for a new episode every 2 weeks!✨ For Previous Bodyful episodes and show notes✨ Sister podcast Creatures of Change✨ In Tennessee and looking for therapy? Check out The Gaia Center.✨ Get the monthly Gaia Center newsletter with exclusive content & tips from our therapists✨ Learn about coaching, speaking, and other stuff Val is up to

I recently had a student in a yoga class ask me “what exactly is trauma-informed yoga?” For the long answer, see the research paper I wrote back in 2016— but for a shorter answer, I created this solo episode that’s relevant for students and teachers alike.Also, the subject of cultural humility (vs cultural appropriation) in yoga has become so intertwined for me with trauma-informed principles, because they’re both about HONORING: honoring the autonomy of each student, and honoring the wider purpose of yoga and its lineage. So we’re talking both subjects in this episode.As per usual in my solo episodes, I’m talking off the cuff while walking outside, so this lil 30-minute episode is far from comprehensive. But if you have questions, feel free to leave a comment here, send me a DM, or email me— I’d love to hear what resonates, what your experience with these subjects is, and as always, anything else you’d like to hear me talk about on the pod. And hopefully some of the resources below will be helpful to dig in further!For full show notes including links to resources mentioned in the episode, visit https://gaiacenter.co/blog/bodyful-21.----------------------------------------------------Did you love this episode? Please tell a friend, and subscribe to Bodyful for a new episode every 2 weeks!✨ For Previous Bodyful episodes and show notes✨ Sister podcast Creatures of Change✨ In Tennessee and looking for therapy? Check out The Gaia Center.✨ Get the monthly Gaia Center newsletter with exclusive content & tips from our therapists✨ Learn about coaching, speaking, and other stuff Val is up to